Elizabeth Stuart, Countess of Lennox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Cavendish
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| Countess of Lennox | |
| Born | 31 March 1555 Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, England |
| Died | 16 January 1582 (aged 26) |
| Spouse(s) | Charles Stuart, 1st Earl of Lennox |
| Issue | Arbella Stuart |
| Father | Sir William Cavendish |
| Mother | Bess of Hardwick |
Elizabeth Stuart, Countess of Lennox (born March 31, 1555 – died January 16, 1582) was an important English noblewoman. She was also known as Elizabeth Cavendish before her marriage. Elizabeth was the wife of Charles Stuart, 1st Earl of Lennox. She was the mother of Arbella Stuart, who was closely related to both the English and Scottish royal families.
Contents
Elizabeth Cavendish: A Noblewoman's Story
Elizabeth Cavendish was born on March 31, 1555, at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, England. Her parents were Bess of Hardwick and Sir William Cavendish. One of her godmothers was Catherine Grey.
Her Powerful Mother, Bess of Hardwick
Elizabeth's mother, Bess of Hardwick, was a very influential woman. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant Bess was a high-ranking attendant who helped the Queen with her daily life. Bess of Hardwick became one of the wealthiest women in England. Elizabeth Cavendish had seven brothers and sisters, but two of them sadly died when they were very young.
A Secret Royal Marriage
In 1574, Elizabeth Cavendish secretly married Charles Stuart, 1st Earl of Lennox. Charles was the younger brother of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. He also had a claim, or a right, to the English throne. This made him a very important person.
Queen Elizabeth I was furious about this secret marriage. She had not given her permission for such an important union. The Queen was so angry that she sent both Elizabeth's mother, Bess of Hardwick, and her mother-in-law, Margaret Douglas, to the Tower of London. This was a serious punishment for going against the Queen's wishes.
Her Daughter and Later Life
In 1575, Elizabeth gave birth to her only child, a daughter named Arbella Stuart. Sadly, Elizabeth's husband, Charles Stuart, died in 1576. He passed away from a disease called tuberculosis.
Elizabeth herself died six years later, on January 16, 1582, when she was only 26 years old. The Earl of Shrewsbury wrote that Elizabeth's mother, Bess of Hardwick, was heartbroken by her daughter's death. She was so sad that she could only "lament and weep."
